July 29, 2008

On a cloudy Monday evening our small group got together for a float trip down the Chena. The original plan was to start at University Rd and float to the Heimer's and have pizza on the lawn.

Well, we ended up starting at Peger Rd but that was ok since we laughed and enjoy the cool air and didn't mind the few sprinkles. But since we only had three paddles and one big stick it took a little over a hour to get to the University bridge (our originally planned put in location) and since by that time it was pouring rain we realized that we were having fun but not enough fun to keep it up for another 2 hours. So we called in the parents to pick us up and ended our float trip a little early. But you know what. Even with the rain, calling Nicole's dad and ending our trip early, almost loosing Nicole, burnt pizza, a migraine, and one locked truck with the keys inside, we had a great time. As Ashley said, "We must really like to spend time together." After this, I have to agree. Hey with a Fairbanks summer you just never know what mother nature will throw at you.

July 28, 2008

July 24, 2008

In May Josh and I celebrated our second anniversary. We traveled to Lancaster, PA for fun in the Amish countryside. May 13th started with a horseback ride over acres of farmland. Our trail ride was a two hour experience and we were hooked. Josh now agrees with me that we should have a horse of our own someday.

We had lunch at an Amish farmer's market then got ready for my big surprise that Josh has been planning since February, a hot air balloon ride. It was the most fabulous experience. We had the time of our lives. We floated over the countryside watching Amish farmers plowing their fields with horses and mules, sailed over a mile high and then dropped down to where we could almost touch trees and then we got to meet a band of Amish kids who ran to where we landed and helped us pack the balloon up for the night. What a wonderful way to celebrate the past two years and a way to relax after so much had happened over the past year.

Well, back to more work on the domestic water tonight. Enjoy these snapshots from our fun vacation.

July 22, 2008

When asked what we are doing on the house Josh and I casually say, "Oh we are working on a list of things that just need to be done before vapor barrier and drywall."

I just thought I would share the list with you. I know you can't read everything but the list is so long I couldn't zoom in any more. You will note though that there are a lot of things crossed off. Although things seem to be added at same rate. Oh well, here is to the list and the dream of it being done some day soon.

July 21, 2008

This past weekend was a great work time at the Klynstra's. Our friends Mike and Ashley came over Friday night and helped us lift the heavy beam in the basement into place, sandwiched between the current beams and the HRV and plumbing. We were able to secure it up with a bolt and ratchet strap that night. Saturday Josh and I put each bolt in place and when I went outside to haul log rounds Josh worked on building the chase around the beam, HRV and ABS. The chase will be what the drywall will be mounted to so everything can be boxed in once the house is done. So for those of you who will never get to see it exposed in real life...enjoy the pictures before it gets covered up.

July 18, 2008

The weatherman is calling for cold weather and rain this weekend. It is good for getting inside work done on the house but makes me remember my wonderful birthday weekend when we took time off from the house to head up to the White mountains for a biking camping trip. How wonderful. Enjoy the pictures.

House pictures from the weekend work to come on Monday. Remember to check back then.

July 17, 2008

Over the hot July 4th weekend Josh and I built our 24' X 16' woodshed that will house all of the wood I have been telling you about. Thought you might enjoy seeing the building process. I only hit my finger with the hammer once, that is all it took for me to be more careful! It makes our property look more settled to have more than one permanent fixture on our land.

July 16, 2008

Josh tells me that he feels a little more depressed with each load of wood we harvest. It is just more that needs to be done. Come winter hopefully the gloomy feeling with go away when we are enjoying a warm fire and finally getting to relax.